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Advantages of Computers
Following are certain advantages of computers.
High Speed
Computer is a very fast device.
It is capable of performing calculation of very large amount
of data.
The computer has units of speed in microsecond,
nanosecond, and even the picosecond.
It can perform millions of calculations in a few seconds as
compared to man who will spend many months to perform
the same task.
Accuracy
In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate.
The calculations are error free.
Computers perform all jobs with 100% accuracy provided
that the input is correct.
Storage Capability
Memory is a very important characteristic of computers.
A computer has much more storage capacity than human
beings.
It can store large amount of data.
It can store any type of data such as images, videos, text,
audio, etc.
Diligence
Unlike human beings, a computer is free from monotony,
tiredness, and lack of concentration.
It can work continuously without any error and boredom.
It can perform repeated tasks with the same speed and
accuracy.
Versatility
A computer is a very versatile machine.
A computer is very flexible in performing the jobs to be done.
This machine can be used to solve the problems related to
various fields.At one instance, it may be solving a complex
scientific problem and the very next moment it may be
playing a card game.
Reliability
A computer is a reliable machine.
Modern electronic components have long lives.
Computers are designed to make maintenance easy.
Automation
Computer is an automatic machine.
Automation is the ability to perform a given task
automatically. Once the computer receives a program i.e.,
the program is stored in the computer memory, then the
program and instruction can control the program execution
without human interaction.
Reduction in Paper Work and Cost
The use of computers for data processing in an organization
leads to reduction in paper work and results in speeding up
the process.
As data in electronic files can be retrieved as and when
required, the problem of maintenance of large number of
paper files gets reduced.
Though the initial investment for installing a computer is
high, it substantially reduces the cost of each of its
transaction.
Disadvantages of Computers :
Following are certain disadvantages of computers.
Workstation:
It is also a single user computer system, similar to personal
computer however has a more powerful microprocessor.
Mini Computer:
It is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting
hundreds of users simultaneously.
Main Frame
It is a multi-user computer system, capable of supporting
hundreds of users simultaneously. Software technology is
different from minicomputer.
Supercomputer
It is an extremely fast computer, which can execute
hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
Topic 3: Types of Softwares
Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a
well-defined function. A program is a sequence of instructions
written to solve a particular problem.
System Software
The system software is a collection of programs designed
to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities
of the computer itself. These software products comprise
of programs written in low-level languages, which interact
with the hardware at a very basic level. System software
serves as the interface between the hardware and the end
users.
Eg: Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter, Assemblers,
etc.
Application Software
Application software products are designed to satisfy a
particular need of a particular environment. All software
applications prepared in the computer lab can come under the
category of Application software.
Eg: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint&
all user programs
Cache Memory
Primary Memory/Main Memory
Secondary Memory
Cache Memory
Cache memory acts as a buffer between the CPU and the main
memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and program
which are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data
and programs are transferred from the disk to cache memory
by the operating system, from where the CPU can access them.
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-
volatile. It is slower than the main memory. These are used for
storing data/information permanently. CPU directly does not
access these memories, instead they are accessed via input-
output routines. The contents of secondary memories are first
transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access
it.
For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.